Santa Maria Assunta, Romanesque Revival church in La Spezia, Italy.
Santa Maria Assunta is a Romanesque Revival church in La Spezia with a circular floor plan and three entrance doors on its facade. A central dome above allows daylight to flood the interior, revealing artworks such as an 18th-century wooden crucifix and a white Carrara marble altar that commands the eye.
This church was built in 1443 and served as the city's pro-cathedral from 1929 until 1975. It held this important role until a new cathedral was completed, after which it returned to being a parish church.
The church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, a significant event in Catholic tradition that shapes how the space is used for worship today. Pilgrims and worshippers gather here to honor this religious observance through prayer and contemplation.
The church sits in La Spezia's historic center and is easily reached by public transport with parking available nearby. Visiting hours may vary depending on religious services, so it is wise to check before arriving.
Beneath the church lies a crypt holding the relics of San Venerio, its floor patterned with white and grey marble leading to a central altar of pure white marble. This hidden chamber beneath ground level offers a quiet space that many visitors do not discover during their stay.
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